Principal casting has been announced for Rupert Goold's new stage adaptation of CS Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which Goold is co-directing with Michael Fentiman for a production that begins performances May 8, prior to an official opening May 29, at a specially created venue in the grounds of London's Kensington Gardens.

Sally Dexter, Forbes Masson and Brian Protheroe will be taking on the roles of the White Witch, Mr. Tumnus and the Professor, respectively. Further casting is still to be announced.

Dexter was most recently seen as Gertrude to Michael Sheen's Hamlet at the Young Vic. She has starred in the West End in the musicals Billy Elliot, Sister Act and Sam Mendes' production of Oliver!, for the latter of which she was Olivier-nominated. Other appearances at the National Theatre include roles in The Recruiting Officer, Closer, The Theatre of Blood and The Winter's Tale, and for the RSC in King Lear, Troilus and Cressida and their version of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Masson is best known for his comedy partnership with Alan Cumming, which included writing the BBC series "The High Life" and appearing as comedy duo Victor and Barry. He has performed extensively with the RSC, including roles in As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, Morte d’Arthur and The Grain Store.

Protheroe was most recently seen in Broken Glass with Tara Fitzgerald and Antony Sher (Tricycle then Vaudeville Theatre), Moonlight and Magnolias (Watermill Theatre), Noises Off (Birmingham Rep), Pericles, The Tempest and The Winter's Tale (RSC). He also performed the role of Saruman in the original West End musical of The Lord of The Rings.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 7693, or visit www.lionwitchtheshow.com for more details.